Peanut Brittle

Serves 6-8

3 cups roasted, salted peanuts

2 cups granulated sugar

½ cup water

1 cup light corn syrup

¼ cup unsalted butter

¼ cup honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

 

1. Combine water, sugar, corn syrup, and honey (or maple syrup) in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until mixture reaches hard crack stage (approximately 310° F on a candy thermometer - see TABLE 4. COOKING WITH SUGAR under Conversion Tables & more).
2. Remove from heat and quickly stir in butter, vanilla extract, and peanuts.
3. Immediately pour hot mixture onto a greased marble slab, a greased sheet pan (or a sheet pan lined with greased parchment or wax paper). Evenly spread out mixture to a thickness of approximately ¼-inch using a wooden spoon, or by placing a piece of greased parchment or wax paper over brittle and spreading it out with a rolling pin.
4. Allow brittle to cool and harden. (Note: Brittle may be cut into pieces with a sharp, greased knife while it is still warm, or broken into irregular pieces when hardened). Serving suggestions: Place candy in a decorative tin, or wrap in colorful cellophane and tie with a bow - makes a great gift!